The provincial Museum and Library organised a wide range of exciting and attractive activities on May 15-16 to celebrate the International Museum Day (May 18).

Alongside its stunning natural landscapes and distinctive cultural traditions, the culinary diversity of local ethnic communities—with dishes rich in the flavours of the Northwestern mountains—enhances Son La’s appeal, drawing visitors to explore and experience the locality.

Hang Dong commune in Bac Yen district is home to 330 households, with the Mong ethnic group making up 97% of the population. To preserve traditional cultural values, the commune has encouraged residents to maintain their handicrafts, including weaving, embroidery with traditional motifs, crafting panpipes and flutes, and making traditional carrying baskets.

In Quang Huy town, Phu Yen district, around 20 households are preserving the traditional weaving craft of the Thai ethnic group, with average monthly income of 9-11 million VND (346-423 USD) per household.

Muong Chien commune in Quynh Nhai district has achieved universal preschool education for five-year-old children. It has also met Level 3 standards for primary education and Level 2 standards for secondary education.

The provincial Museum and Library has opened a photo exhibition entitled “The Song of Reunification” at its outdoor space in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025).

Three times per month, merchant boats and people from the areas along the Da River gather at a boat dock in Chieng Sai commune, Bac Yen district to trade goods, creating a bustling atmosphere.

Sop Cop commune in the district of the same name held the Xen Muong Festival 2025 from April 15 to 17.

The Son La provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities organised an ethnic costume competition on April 12 evening.

A delegation from Uong Bi city of Quang Ninh province visited Son La city on April 4 to exchange experience on building a learning society and developing a UNESCO Global Learning City.

The provincial Department of Education and Training summed up the 12th Excellent Primary School Teacher Competition in Son La province in the 2024-2025 academic year on April 2, with 168 teachers winning the recognition.

With all students being ethnic minorities, the Moc Chau Boarding Secondary and High School for Ethnic Minority Students in Moc Chau township has implemented numerous innovations in management, teaching and learning methods. These efforts have gradually enhanced the quality of education and helped generations of ethnic minority students fulfill their dreams.

One of the most anticipated highlights of the Ban (Bauhinias) Flower Festival 2025 in Son La city was the beauty contest, where contestants captivated audiences with the elegance of traditional and modernised Thai ethnic attire. Taking place on March 15 evening and March 16 morning, the competition brought together 24 contestants from 12 teams representing communes and wards across the city.

As part of the series of activities of the Ban (Bauhinia) Flower Festival in Son La city, 12 communes and wards competed in displaying ethnic foods on March 16, at the Tay Bac (Northwest) Square.

As part of the inaugural “Vo ngua tren may” (Galloping on the clouds) festival 2025, Hang Dong commune in Bac Yen district came alive on March 15 with vibrant cultural performances.